| Pakaraka | |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | New Zealand |
| Subdivision Type1: | Region |
| Subdivision Name1: | Northland Region |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Far North District |
| Subdivision Type3: | Ward |
| Subdivision Name3: | Bay of Islands/Whangaroa |
| Subdivision Type4: | Community |
| Subdivision Name4: | Bay of Islands-Whangaroa |
| Subdivision Type5: | Subdivision |
| Subdivision Name5: | Paihia |
| Leader Title: | Territorial Authority |
| Leader Name: | Far North District Council |
| Leader Title1: | Regional council |
| Leader Name1: | Northland Regional Council |
| Seat Type: | Electorates |
| Coordinates: | -35.3575°N 173.9564°W |
Pakaraka is a settlement in Northland, New Zealand, at the junction of State Highway 1 and 10, in the district the Ngāpuhi tribe called Tai-a-mai.[1]
Pakaraka statistical area covers 72.44km2[2] and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2.
Pakaraka had a population of 666 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 111 people (20.0%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 159 people (31.4%) since the 2006 census. There were 222 households, comprising 333 males and 333 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.0 males per female. The median age was 40.7 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 147 people (22.1%) aged under 15 years, 96 (14.4%) aged 15 to 29, 333 (50.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 93 (14.0%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 80.2% European/Pākehā, 34.2% Māori, 0.9% Pacific peoples, and 1.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
The percentage of people born overseas was 14.0, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 55.4% had no religion, 32.0% were Christian, 1.4% had Māori religious beliefs, and 0.9% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 96 (18.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 90 (17.3%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $29,400, compared with $31,800 nationally. 78 people (15.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 264 (50.9%) people were employed full-time, 84 (16.2%) were part-time, and 24 (4.6%) were unemployed.
A pā was located at the base, and on the slopes, of Pouerua, a 270m (890feet) high basaltic scoria cone. The pā was studied during a major archeological project in the 1980s.[3]
Parts of the Flagstaff War were fought around Pakaraka in 1845.[4] After the Battle of Ōhaeawai on 23 June 1845 the British troops destroyed Te Haratua's pā at Pakaraka on 16 July 1845.[5]
Mount Pouerua is registered with the Heritage New Zealand as a traditional site. Holy Trinity Church. The Retreat and the Store are also registered with the trust.[6]
The local Kahukura Ariki Marae and Kahukura Ariki meeting house are affiliated with the Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa hapū of Hāhi Katorika, and the Ngāpuhi / Ngāti Kahu ki Whaingaroa hapū of Ngāti Kohu.[7] [8]
Pakaraka School is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of students as of In 2018, all but one of the students was Māori.[9] The school opened in 1911.[10]